Quote from: AndOne on October 21, 2014, 12:08:32 PM

Quote from: Kovo on October 21, 2014, 06:35:01 AM

Quote from: AndOne on October 20, 2014, 11:55:20 PM

Quote from: Son of Tailgater on October 20, 2014, 11:16:37 PM
Wheaton derails NCC this week. I'll say it and deal with the consequences of not explaining my prediction. All four of the games really could go either way and I wouldn't be surprised.

A small wager on your assertion, Son of T?

Why small?  If Son of T is so confident let's make it a "real" wager!

Alas, but the weekly allowance the Queen gives this poor knave is but a pittance. 

No wager needed  but just this re post.

Wheaton derails NCC this week. I'll say it and deal with the consequences of not explaining my prediction. All four of the games really could go either way and I wouldn't be surprised.

Quote from: HoosierRedMan on August 08, 2014, 03:51:00 PM

Quote from: Gregory Sager on August 07, 2014, 07:10:55 PM

Quote from: HoosierRedMan on August 07, 2014, 09:33:31 AM
It is looking like another long year in Kenosha.  Only 6 Seniors on the roster with an incoming class of 86 Freshmen.
I believe it is hard to win in the CCIW without good Senior and Junior leadership. IMHO

Eighty-six freshmen? Holy crap.

I wonder what the retention rate on those 86 guys is going to be.

I was thinking the same thing.  Hopefully at least half are back next season.   

Carthage has also been increasingly strict on the tailgating rules which in turn has lowered attendance of us alums in Kenosha. The one bright spot this year is that we are recognizing the 2004 11-2 season during homecoming this year. We had 6 seniors in 2003 when I came in and we went 3-7. The following year we were 11-2 and rallied so there is promise that good things can happen. The homecoming game will be against Elmhurst and that may be the only Carthage game I attend all year sadly. Other CCIW games, you betcha.

Congrats to the NPU faithful on the win this weekend. This of course is going to have a lot of conversation and is well deserved. IWU winning at home against weekend was not a shocker to me but is going to set the stage for an excellent game next week at NCC. Elmhurst and Millikin.....well somebody had to win but I am still in shock that Elmhurst isn't at least competing in the top 4 this year.

I did finally attend a CCIW game finally this year and went to the NCC homecoming game vs my Alma-Mater Carthage. Disappointed is the best word to describe what I saw sitting on the Carthage sideline on Saturday The 72-20 score was nothing of what the game could and should have been as I left at halftime when the score was 55-0.

The disappointing word to describe Carthage is not that I expected them to win but it was that Carthage didn't seem to want to be there. There was no emotion, no leaders (both coaches and players) and everyone was simply going through the motions. The lack of pride, bringing up your teammates (heck I'd even go for yelling at your teammates) and wanting to improve just wasn't there.

Carthage is at the lowest point that I have seen them since I started following and playing for them in 2002. I don't have the answers but there needs to be drastic changes to the attitudes and mind sets of the Carthage football program. Have some pride these last three games and work hard on building for the future. Remember in 2003 we were 3-7 and in 2004 we went 11-2.

iwu70 -

2013 Football Standings
School   Conf   Overall
Illinois Wesleyan    3-0   6-0
North Central            3-0   6-0
Wheaton             3-0   6-0
Augustana            2-1   4-2
North Park            1-2   1-5
Carthage                    0-3   1-5
Elmhurst                    0-3   1-5
Millikin                    0-3   1-5

I don't like saying it but with the decline of Carthage, Elmhurst and Millikin in recent year's the CCIW cannot be considered the "top 3" conference it once was.

Quote from: New Tradition on September 02, 2013, 11:58:30 PM

Quote from: CardinalAlum on September 02, 2013, 10:57:13 PM

Quote from: New Tradition on September 02, 2013, 10:34:58 PM

Quote from: Pat Coleman on September 02, 2013, 10:06:37 PM
Rucks had a health issue during a game last year that forced him from the sidelines. He remains on staff as an assistant AD.

I actually had an opportunity to shake hands and have a conversation with Coach Rucks on Saturday.  He looked pretty robust and healthy.  I told him that I was glad to see him looking so.  Extremely nice man and a class act.   

I beg to differ..

Oh?  I can only go off of the brief dealing I had with him, but he was very friendly.  He certainly doesn't carry the reputation of Stormin' Norman...

I've heard a lot of different opinions on Coach Rucks but as a player and recruit of his I can tell you that he was truthful and a straight shooter to me in his approach as a Coach. He told me my potential and that it was up to me to get there but never promised me anything.

I remember my other visits to schools where I'd never meet the head coach, was promised things that weren't possible and then bullied after I told them their school wasn't a fit. Never the case with Coach Rucks. I do understand that first impressions can be everything though. 

Are there any Carthage people still on the boards? Since Coach Rucks left it looks like we have been quiet.

Two CCIW wins in round one. It doesn't matter which team you support as when the playoffs hit we are all CCIW fans. Congrats to NCC and Elmhurst for representing! Looking forward to a Thanksgiving round 2.

Does anybody have the location to the updated bracket? I have a blank one but was hoping to have an updated one with round 1 results filled in.

Does anybody have any insight or information about Wartburg? The Wartburg @ Carthage game looks like it could be the game of the week and I know Wartburg is always a playoff contender from the IIAC. The fact that Wartburg beat MacMurry 73-0 isn't impressive but that the following week they hosted #15 Bethel and were blanked 21-0 leaves a few questions to be answered.

I am impressed that Carthage is increasing their SOS in non conference games and am glad to see games such as Adrian, Wartburg now on the schedule. Lakeland is never an easy game either even though Carthage has had their number since my freshman year in 2003.

Looking ahead...weeks 6,7,8 (Wheaton,IWU,NCC) for Carthage this year will be a huge test. If they can take care of business this week at home and then home against Lakeland & NPU they should be strong headed into the meat of the conference.

Quote from: 79jaybird on September 10, 2012, 08:35:01 AM
Benedictine is a great school academically and many of their facilities are high class,  however their fb team is not very good at the moment.  There is a reason teams like EC & NC are no longer playing them.  Reasons from both schools.  A dominant NATHC team would be middle to lower end of the pack in the CCIW.

Carthage had also dropped Benedictine from their schedule back in 2005. It was convenient for travel home/ away but the games never proved to be competitive enough and would turn into a JV game. In 2005 I remember being up 42-0 or something at half time and being more tired walking back and forth to the field house (which was about .5 miles away) at halftime than I was in the first half since our scoring drives were 5-10 plays each. Starters wouldn't play much of the second half.

The thread from Day 1 of the CCIW chat in case any missed it and wanted to see what was discussed (I apologize for the length of this post)

   
2012 CCIW Football Chat (Day 1)
   
Monday August 6, 2012
9:08
   
   Day One of the 2012 CCIW Football Coaches Chat will begin at 10 a.m. with Augustana, Carthage, Elmhurst and Wheaton
9:55
   
   Welcome to Day One of the 2012 CCIW Football Coaches Chat. We're still waiting on a couple more people to join us and we'll get started shortly.
10:00
   
   This is Mike Krizman, Assistant Commissioner and Sports Information Director of the CCIW. I will be facilitating today's chat with Augustana, Carthage, Elmhurst and Wheaton.
10:00
   
   We will take questions from the audience until 10:30 a.m. All questions will be screened and we will try to get to as many as possible in the next half hour.
10:01
   
   With that, we will start with questions.
10:01
   
   Question for Augustana: Losing a three-year starter at quarterback (David Lee) appears to leave a big hole to fill on offense. What are your thoughts as you try to replace a player who took down all of Ken Anderson's school passing records?
10:01
   
   Question for Elmhurst: After averaging 34.1 points and over 450 yards per game, the Bluejays return the majority of their starters on offense. How valuable is the experience that they bring to the table and do you believe they can be even more explosive this season?
10:01
   
   Question for Wheaton: Your offense returns several starters and players with experience. What expectations do you have for that unit?
10:01
   
   Question for Carthage: Last year, Carthage ran several offensive schemes, including the option. What are your offensive plans for 2012?
10:02
   
   
Comment From Tim Lester-Elmhurst
We are excited to bring back so much experience. I think we finished the season playing at a high level and we are hoping to build on that. I believe that experience could help us at critical times. Our guys understand that nothing comes easy and we will have to earn every yard.
10:02
   
   
Comment From Mike Swider, Wheaton
We expect our offense to perform consistently throughout the entire year, regardless of our opponent. Experience doesn't make you perfect, but experience can be counted on at crucial moments. This group can be counted on.
10:03
   
   
Comment From Rob Cushman Augustana
That's the biggest question we have heading into fall camp. David did so much for this program, in so many ways, both on and off the field. We have two quarterbacks in the program that virtually have no game experience and we recruited five newcomers to come in and challenge. It would not surprise me if one of the young guys ends up getting the job because it's such a talented group.
10:04
   
   Question for Augustana: What kind of impact will the big announcement this summer of the new stadium project on the Augustana campus have on your football program going forward?
10:05
   Question for Elmhurst: Scottie Williams has turned in back-to-back seasons of over 1,000 yards. What is it that makes Scottie so effective running the ball and do you believe that he'll continue his past success with teams focusing on trying to stop him?
10:06
   
   
Comment From Tim Lester-Elmhurst
Scottie has continued to improve every season he has been here at Elmhurst College. Most importantly, he is one of the hardest working young men I have ever been around. He is a guy that runs hard and is a leader on our offense. Our offensive coaches need to continue to put him in good positions and he can continue to improve.
10:06
   Question for Wheaton: What concerns do you have for the 2012 season?
10:07
   
   
Comment From Rob Cushman Augustana
Obviously this is huge news for us. Everyone is extremely excited as this project will move us forward and hopefully get us back on top. Both current players and recruits want to have the very best facility as possible and this will put us in that category. The new turf is ready for this season and the stadium will be complete by the 2013 season.
10:07
   
   
Comment From Mike Swider, Wheaton
Obviously we lost several defensive starters. Our biggest challenge is to create some continuity with our new players on defense. We have some good athletes stepping into starting roles, but we must get them to play with confidence as a unit.
10:08
   
   
Comment From Doug Green QC Times
For Rob Cushman: What does Tom Casey bring to the fold as your new Defensive Coordinator?
10:09
   Question for Wheaton: Coach Swider, your team returns last year's CCIW Offensive Player of the Year in Garrett Meador. Jordan Roberts, who was scheduled to be the 2011 starter at QB, returns from an injury. What do you expect from either of those players in 2012?
10:10
   
   
Comment From Tim Rucks
Our plans are to get back to a more spread-type offense that we had been used to. We ideally would like to be a 50/50 pass-run combination.
10:10
   
   
Comment From Rob Cushman Augustana
Tom and I worked together for 3 years at a Junior College in California in the early 2000's so we are very familiar with each other. We have the same philosophy and more importantly together created this flex defense, so it should be a seamless transition. His Division 1 experience will be a real plus.
10:10
   
   
Comment From Guest
Question for Carthage: What would be the short list of top recruits coming in that will impact the 2012 season right away?
10:11
   
   
Comment From Mike Swider, Wheaton
Preseason training camp is going to be interesting. Both athletes are proven winners on the field. Our team believes that they can win with either athlete. They are both capable of leading us to victory on Saturdays. We are going to take it one day at a time. No one practice is going to make or break either player. Decisions will be based on the overall body of work in the preseason. We are blessed to have these two young men competing to lead the Thunder.
10:11
   
   
Comment From D3 Fan
Question for Elmhurst: With the addition of Trine in your off season schedule, will we be see a stronger scheduling of non-conference opponents in the future?
10:12
   
   
Comment From Guest
Question for Augustana: With the obvious need of replacing your quaterback what other areas of need concern you for the upcoming season and how have you address it in the off season
10:13
   
   
Comment From Tim Rucks
I actually think the list might be longer then shorter. We have 90 freshmen coming in next week and I think it is long on talent. That being said, they are freshmen and this is the CCIW, but there is defintely some athleticism combined with some size on both sides of the line.
10:13
   
   
Comment From Tim Lester-Elmhurst
We are always trying to upgrade our non-conference schedule. It is essential to prepare ourselves for CCIW play. I takes some years to plan out, but that was our thought. We look forward to playing a very successful Trine team.
10:14
   
   
Comment From Jerry Beach
For Tim Lester; You have an impressive list of recruits for this year... Do you expect them to be able to come in and compete from day one? or do you think that they will be eased in over the course of the season?
10:14
   
   
Comment From Rob Cushman Augustana
We need to get much better offensively and so we put a major emphasis in recruiting and feel like we have some good young talent that needs to be developed. This development falls on the coaches and we have five new coaches on staff that should help us improve in this area. Defensively, we need to get back on top where we have been in the past and feel we have a good core of veterans returning to make this happen.
10:14
   
   
Comment From Tom Johnston, Dispatch/Ar
For Augie coach Rob Cushman. ... With all of the new faces -- defensive coordinator, offensive backfield, both lines -- what are the expectations for this season?
10:15
   Question for Carthage: One of the positives from 2011 was the performance of your defensive unit. Will that be a strength again in 2012 and why?
10:16
   Question for Wheaton: What would be the short list of top recruits coming in that will impact the 2012 season?
10:16
   
   
Comment From Tim Lester-Elmhurst
We are very excited about our incoming athletes. I am sure they will need some time to get comfortable in our league. I am hoping some of them can find a way to get on the field by the second half of the season. You cannot count on that, but it is fun to watch the young guys develop.
10:17
   
   
Comment From Rob Cushman Augustana
We were competitive a year ago, but were not able to finish games, so that's our goal this year is to be able to compete for all four quarters and finish the deal. With so many question marks it's hard to predict, but we feel very good about our talent and are excited to watch this team play. We will know much more at the conclusion of fall camp.
10:17
   
   
Comment From Tim Rucks
Our defense was a big improvement last season and I expect continued improvement. We have several key players coming back but I also think our depth is very good. I like our two-deep right now in the line and I think we can be athletic at linebacker and in the defensive backfield.
10:18
   
   
Comment From D3 Fan
Question for Augustana: The Dubuque night game on September 1st; What did you learn last year from the loss to Dubuque at home and what needs to be done this year to start with a W over a much improved Dubuque team of the past?
10:18
   
   
Comment From Mike Swider, Wheaton
Traditionally we do not count on freshmen to have significant impact on our football team. In this conference you win with upperclassmen. However, we do have a nice group of freshmen coming in, who after gaining the necessary experience are capable of being successful in this league.
10:18
   
   
Comment From Pete
for Coach Swider; You have several athletes on your team that turned down D1 opportunities to be @ Wheaton. What makes the program so attractive to top players from coast to coast?
10:19
   Question for Carthage: You're pretty upbeat about your offensive line, and you're coaching that group yourself in 2012. Tell us about that.
10:21
   
   
Comment From Tim Rucks
I think Mike Greenwood at left tackle is one of the best in the league and David Steele at right tackle was on the all-conference team last year. I like their demeanor all across the board and they will be pushed by a physically strong and big group of freshmen.
10:21
   
   
Comment From Rob Cushman Augustana
A year ago, we were really uncertain what Dubuque would bring in the season opener and we found out very quickly they were an outstanding team and ended up winning the Iowa Conference. It was a hard fought game that we had a chance to win in the fourth quarter, but did not finish the deal. This year going to Dubuque we know exactly what we are in for and our guys understand what a great challenge the opener will be. The key should be finding a way to slow down their great offense.
10:21
   
   
Comment From Mike Swider, Wheaton
As an institution in general, Wheaton naturally draws students from around the entire country. Here in athletics it is no different. I believe that the combination of our academic reputation and our Christian community are what make Wheaton an attractive option to any student.
10:22
   Question for Augustana and Elmhurst: What would be the short list of top recruits coming in that will impact the 2012 season?
10:23
   While we wait for answers to come in, just a reminder that Day Two of the 2012 CCIW Football Coaches Chat will take place tomorrow from 10-10:30 a.m.
10:24
   Joining us tomorrow will be Illinois Wesleyan, Millikin, North Central and North Park.
10:25
   
   
Comment From Rob Cushman Augustana
Quarterbacks - Sam Frasco, Dillon Nelson, Colton Schulenberg and Chris Salazar. WR/DB - Robert Condon and OL Trevor Loew
10:25
   
   
Comment From Tom Johnston, Dispatch/Ar
For Augie coach Rob Cushman... With all of the new coaches on staff, what will change for the Vikings this season on the field because of those coaching changes?
10:26
   We'll have time for one more group question once we receive the remaining answers.
10:28
   For all once you are ready: What will it take to win the CCIW this season?
10:29
   
   
Comment From Rob Cushman Augustana
With new staff comes new ideas and new drills, new energy, which I hope collectively will improve the program. I feel real good about what I've seen so far, I'm excited to watch this group coach our guys. I'm hoping this will make a difference in how we perform.
10:29
   
   
Comment From Tim Lester-Elmhurst
We have a lot of players coming in that we are really excited about. I feel good about many players in this group, but cannot predict how they will make the transition into the CCIW. I think the one position that new guys could make a big impact is in our kicking game. We have 2 freshman and 1 junior college transfer that could come in and make a difference in our kicking game.
10:30
   
   
Comment From Tim Rucks
I think to stay as healthy as possible over the course of the season and the ability to make gains in special teams and the ability to play in a consistent manner week to week.
10:31
   
   
Comment From Rob Cushman Augustana
This is one of the top conferences in the country Division III football. Every week you need to be your best. The guys at the top the last few years have been awfully good, so in order to win the championship there is very little margin for error. The team that executes and gets a break or two will be the team that comes out on top and we hope to be in that mix.
10:31
   
   
Comment From Tim Lester-Elmhurst
I think the CCIW champion is always a well coached football team with a great group of senior leaders that stays healthy.
10:32
   
   
Comment From Mike Swider, Wheaton
I am sure all of our answers are going to be relatively the same. First, you need to stay healthy. Secondly, you can't beat yourself! Finally, your seniors can't let you down, on or off the field.
10:32
   Thank you to all the coaches for taking time out of their day to join us on this year's chat.

Quote from: cardinaldad on November 28, 2011, 11:01:43 PM

Quote from: Li'l Giant on November 28, 2011, 08:44:58 PM

Quote from: devildog29 on November 28, 2011, 03:52:48 PMFirst off, it wasn't "an effin war."  I've played in tough football games, and I've been in a war.  I assure you they are nothing alike.

+k

Amen!!!! Thank you for serving!  +k

+K also, football is a game. Thank you for your service.

Quote from: bashbrother on November 27, 2011, 08:55:17 PM
For those who have not yet seen the "miracle" two pt. conversion to win.

Here it is.

http://youtu.be/OcBUq27_FJc

if you notice, #4 Kraus, the receiver that tipped the ball..... thinking NC had won; was balled up on the field not realizing that Brady Young caught it behind him.   Quite a moment.

WAF!

Thanks for sharing! I was looking for this. Good Luck this week against Mt. Union. I want to see Red advance! We almost had Mt. Union in 2004 so get after them early and don't let up.

With the 2011 CCIW season officially now over I wanted to congratulate all of our teams this year and especially for NCC and IWU representing in the playoffs. Best of luck to the graduating seniors at the end of this semester or in May as the take the next step in their life whether they are continuing to play/ coach football or headed into their careers.

I know the outcome wasn't as planned or anticipated but that is why they play the games. You still have to love the playoff format that D3 has even if we see another Mt. U/ YouDubbya repeat.

With the Illinois High School State Championships this weekend it would be great to hear if anyone knows of any key recruits headed to the CCIW this year. The game that impressed me the most this weekend was the Montini vs Joliet Catholic Academy which ended in a 70-45 win for Montini (515 yards 6 TDs for JCA's RB and a loss!) 1,644 combined yards..wow.

Other than EdgyTim (paid service), I have a hard time tracking commitments/ prospects for the upcoming year. Any suggestions or websites that anyone else uses?

I went to the Wheaton @ Carthage game this weekend and only have a few comments from the game but wanted to share:

1. Carthage was in this game until 7 seconds left in the first half when Wheaton had a huge kickoff return and scored on a two play drive making the score 17-7. From there Wheaton didn't look back and it was an uneventful 2nd half.

2. I was very impressed by the size of Wheaton's defensive line and their quickness. I had heard that Carthage had a poor offensive line this year but for the most part they held their own against Wheaton. 

3. Lack of play makers on offense for Carthage. I don't think we have a go to guy other than Schultz. Wheaton didn't seem to have the marque running back of their past years.

4. Very impressed with the new stadium and facilities at Carthage. Glad the money when to good use....we still need to host a playoff game which was the initial reason for taking down the deer stand press box 

5. The stands were full and it was family day but the crowd was quiet for the most part. I would often stand during a big play, look around and it was myself and the band cheering. Wheaton also had a poor fan turn out for an away game and besides for those working I didn't see many students for both teams at the game. I understand that Wheaton was a heavy favorite I was just disappointed with what seemed like a lack of interest for a Saturday night game.